My bike picked up speed as I came down the small hill on our street. The incline wasn’t huge, but to a young girl it was like a mountain. My heart raced as I tried to slow down. I panicked and instead of pressing the pedal brakes, I chose to use my feet.
The problem? I didn’t have any shoes on! And I used the front of my toes to stop. OUCH!
This is a true story and I admit that silly, barefoot girl was me. I didn’t listen to my mom when she told me to always wear sneakers when riding my bike. I not only disobeyed her, I chose to test the skin on my helpless toes. What was I thinking? I thought it would be cool. I saw other kids going barefoot, why not me?
Needless to say my mom’s sympathy over my bleeding toes was minimal (if any!). I can still hear her say, “You should have listened to me Darlene Lynn,” as she used peroxide to clean out any possibility of infection. (You knew she was upset when she used your middle name in a sentence.)
Yup. I should have listened. I was young and foolish. I thought I knew better. I learned the hard way, but I can tell you I never rode my bike barefoot again!
As most children, there were many times in my childhood when I refused to listen to my mom. I usually paid the consequences. Once again, I was sent to my room.
I stomped my feet (probably not a good idea since they were hurting) and yelled, “I hate you.”
Of course down deep inside, I never meant it. I also knew my mom was always right. After all, aren’t mothers always? Most of the time.
I look back now and agree. My mom tried to teach me, but I chose to ignore her. What was I thinking?
Mom, I ask for your forgiveness. I’m sorry. I know you always had my best interests in mind because you loved me with an unconditional love.
This little bike mishap was a small tear in Mom’s legacy quilt, but she patched it wisely. She disciplined me, but still showed her unconditional love. A love I know I need to show others, no matter what.
That is how Christ demonstrates His love. We don’t deserve it, but no matter what we do, He loves us anyway.
Thank-you Mom for teaching me this thread in life.
Psalm 36:5-6 (The Message)
God’s love is meteoric,
his loyalty astronomic,
His purpose titanic,
his verdicts oceanic.
Yet in his largeness
nothing gets lost;
Not a man, not a mouse,
slips through the cracks.
Hey Darlene,
I remember that day well. Your poor feet were a mess!!! You are right,Mom was always right.We did love to ride our bikes didn’t we .Love ya Sue